Leonardo DiCaprio launches campaign to save rhinos, elephants

The initiative aims at bringing awareness about rhinos, tigers and elephants that are being killed for their skins, bones, tusks, horns and other body parts, reported the New York Post. "Illegal wildlife trade is the most urgent threat facing species like tigers, rhinos and elephants.

Leonardo DiCaprio. Pic/Santa Banta

These animals are being killed every day to feed an escalating demand for their body parts. "Whole populations are at risk of being wiped out if we don't take immediate action to shut down this illicit trade.

As a key step, I am joining WWF and others calling on Thailand's government to show leadership on elephant conservation by shutting down its ivory market before the country hosts a meeting of 177 nations on wildlife trade in March 2013," he said. The "Django Unchained" star has currently taken a small break from acting.